Josephine County lives with its decision to vote down law enforcement tax levy

Gallery: Josephine County releases 39 prisoners and lays off personnel

County residents see themselves as rugged individualists who can protect themselves, he says.

"Well, a lot of people are armed," Lomas says. "Just about everybody in the county is armed, including myself."

At Rogue Valley Pawn & Jewelry, owner Chris Oddo says some worry Josephine County will turn into the "Wild West."

"That's why our gun sales have gone up," he says. "Every person that's come in has mentioned the jail and the need to protect themselves."

Oddo is carrying. The bulge on his right hip, under his T-shirt, is a holstered pistol.

Oddo says he supported the tax levy and displayed 10 campaign signs. All but three were stolen.

"I'm very disappointed in our community," he says. "It's a shame."

Roy Pondelick, owner of Blue Stone Bakery, says it was a matter of economics. The levy would have increased most tax bills by $300 to $500 a year, and many people can't spare it. "The tap has run dry," he says.

Safety concerns

After tough debate, the executive committee of the Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce voted to support the levy. Chamber President Colene Martin says her phone rang all the next day as members continued the debate.

"Nobody wants to go to a town that's not safe," she says.

Martin lives outside town, and worries about the lack of sheriff's patrols.

"I want my husband to put up a driveway gate," she says.

At the jail, corrections officers spent the past week classifying and moving prisoners. They closed several cellblocks and the main booking area. The jail will retain 30 beds for prisoners held on immigration or other federal charges, which are paid for by the federal government. Thirty beds will be reserved for people held on local charges, with two-thirds filled by people accused of violent Measure 11 crimes such as murder, assault, rape and robbery.

A new classification was developed for those brought to the jail on less serious charges and let go: BAR. Beyond Available Resources.

Corrections Sgt. Teresa O'Brien, an 18-year veteran who kept her job, purses her lips as she considers the complications of booking, moving and monitoring prisoners.